For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
When you hold a newborn child, you are flooded with emotions; love, joy, wonder, awe, nervousness, and concern. As parents, if you haven't felt it already, you experience the weight of responsibility. Your mind leaps ahead to what kind of child this will be. In the babe, you see the potential for them to accomplish everything they want, and perhaps things you have not.
Imagine Mary holding Jesus; Joseph looking on. They must have experienced those same emotions. But it had been predicted long ago, not who this child could be but who he was the Son of the Most High. Yes, he was Jesus, the adopted son of Joseph the Carpenter from the little village of Nazareth, but this baby was so much more; he was; Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
God, we give thanks for the gift of Son sent to us. You chose to become human, not coming as a full-grown man, but infant born. He experienced the same joys and anguishes as us and, at the same time, was divine. In his ministry, he offered us a new way; healing of the fractured relationship between God and man. In your love for us, he willingly gave his life to atone for our sins. In conquering death, he gave us the hope of life eternal with you. Returning to you, he became our intercessor. It all began with that babe in the manager. Please help us as we share the true meaning of Christmas, not only this day but throughout the year. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Tim
